Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 18 th March 2010

 CROOK PUSH FOR SURVIVAL

The battle for Division 1 survival in the Kendal and District League is reaching fever pitch, with Crook B stating their claim to maintain their top flight status this week.

Crook faced fellow strugglers Kirkby Stephen A, in a must win game for both sides. Brian Tigg helped edge Crook into an early 3-2 advantage, courtesy of his straight sets victories against Colin Dirom and Jack Thornborrow. Colin Pratt also contributed a vital point to the Crook account, following a crushing 11-2, 11-1, 11-2 success also against Thornborrow. Kirkby Stephen gradually worked their way back into the encounter, when skipper Dave White and Dirom bagged respective 11-8, 11-6, 11-2 and 11-8, 11-4, 11-8 triumphs against Tony Cousins. Despite White’s crucial 11-6 victory in the fourth set against Tigg and a last-gasp 14-12 success in the doubles for White and Dirom, Crook snatched victory, as Pratt completed a hat-trick of wins, combined with Cousins’s gut wrenching deciding set 11-9 victory against an unfortunate Thornborrow.

Burton B’s survival prospects took a hammering this week, with a disappointing 10-0 defeat at the hands of fourth placed Natland A. The result slightly flattered Natland somewhat, with Martin Wakelin pushing Harry Carter to five marathon sets, losing out 11-4, while Peter Baxendale also lost out 12-10 in the final set to an ice cool Carter. Despite this, classy performances from John Fearon and Mark Ashburn, ensured a crushing victory for Natland.

Relegation threatened Natland C produced a shock 9-1 victory against their B team, in a fierce derby encounter. Natland C’s task was made easier, with Natland B only turning up with two players. Nevertheless, Andrew Hudson and Louisa Bevan remained unbeaten for Natland C, scoring priceless victories against Peter Taylor and Bernard Pickthall, while Mick Taylor snatched a narrow 11-8 success against Taylor. Natland B’s solitary point came courtesy of Pickthall’s 10-12, 11-9, 11-7, 11-13, 11-7 victory against Taylor.

Second met third when Glaxo A swept aside Burton A 8-2, to maintain their one hundred percent winning streak. Tom Smith contributed three victories to the Glaxo total, including a tight 12-10 fifth set triumph against Chris Knowles. Smith was ably supported by Keith Dymond and Grant Woodhouse, who claimed two wins apiece. Burton’s two points came following Graham Coupe’s four set victories against Woodhouse and Dymond.

In Division 2, Dallam A’s promotion push continues to go from strength to strength, as the Milnthorpe side’s Jonathan Hyman, Tom Carling and Norman Philbey crushed Crook C 10-0. Crook came close to tasting a victory, when Ed Lister was edged out by Philbey 11-7, in a pulsating final set.

Dallam’s rivals Burton C also tasted a sweet victory with a 10-0 whitewash of Dallam B, Kirkby Stephen B edged out their C team 6-4, while in Division 3 Crook D beat Natland F 25-15.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 11 th March 2010

 BURTON WIN CRUCIAL RELEGATION CLASH

Burton B boosted their survival credentials in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League this week, as the top flight strugglers claimed their fourth triumph of the season- 6-4 against fellow relegation candidates Crook B.

Brian Tigg and Colin Pratt fired Crook off to an ideal opening with 11-8, 13-11, 11-8 and 6-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 victories against Martin Wakelin and Ian Brotherton respectively. Peter Baxendale was at the forefront of a Burton revival, bagging straight sets victories against Tony Cousins and Tigg, leaving the tie poised at 2-2. Despite Pratt completing his three successes- 3-1 and 3-0- against Wakelin and Baxendale respectively for Crook, Burton netted a 6-4 victory when Brotherton, competed two victories and Wakelin a single victory at the death. Burton have now a 10-point safety cushion, two places above the relegation zone. Crook however, are in imminent danger and find themselves 11 points from safety.

Second from bottom Kirkby Stephen A are five points from safety, following a 9-1 defeat at the hands of Crook A, who have now climbed into fifth position. Mike Taylor and Phil Swift remained unbeaten, while John Howarth collected two victories against Andrew Leach and Dave White. The Eden Valley side’s solitary point came courtesy of Dan Stringer’s 11-6, 11-8, 12-14, 11-9 success against Howarth.

Natland C’s survival hopes took a battering in a crushing 10-0 loss against third placed Burton A. The nearest Natland came to winning a point was when Louisa Bevan took Chris Lancashire to five sets, where she narrowly lost out 11-6. Despite this setback, Burton’s trio of Lancashire, Chris Knowles and Julie Stitch made light work of their opponents. Natland are five points from the relegation zone, with chasing rivals Kirkby Stephen having one game in hand over them.

Glaxo B sank to their fifth defeat of the campaign, courtesy of a comprehensive 8-2 defeat against Crook B. Colin Pratt and Dave Smith claimed all three victories for Crook, while Matt O’Flynn and Keith Mallinson responded for Glaxo with wins against Tigg.

Natland A made the most of Ibis’s selection problem, by scoring a crucial 7-3 triumph against the defending champions. Steve Dixon netted three victories, while Natland’s Harry Carter, John Fearon and Mark Ashburn each scored victories against Dave Phillips. Ibis remain in second position, nineteen points away from leaders Glaxo A, while Natland are placed fourth.

In Division 3, Dent A are up to second in the table, after scoring a 25-15 success against Natland E- their twelfth of the season. Natland’s Alex Shuttleworth claimed a sensational three victories, while team mate Cory Robinson chipped in with a last-gasp 11-1, 9-11, 11-4, 5-11, 12-10 success against Smith, while Dent’s Eddie Smith and Steve Hawley netted two victories apiece.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 4 th March 2010

 BURTON STUN DALLAM IN TABLE TOP CLASSIC

Burton C, Division 2 leaders in the Kendal and District League, sent second placed title favourites Dallam A crashing to a 7-3 loss- their first league defeat of the season- in a classic table top encounter.

Dallam came into the match in high spirits, having won thirteen consecutive matches without defeat, however their confidence came crashing down around them, as Burton forged a shock 4-0 early advantage. Burton had Stephen Baxendale to thank for this supreme opening, as he claimed crucial 11-1. 7-11, 11-9, 11-8 and 9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8 victories against Jonathan Hyman and Craig James respectively. Chris Jones and Graeme Wheelhouse also contributed, scoring victories against James and Phil Hyman respectively. Despite four set victories for Jonathan Hyman against Jones and Wheelhouse, Burton roared to a 7-3 victory, as Baxendale earned a hat-trick of wins, with an 11-8 triumph in the fourth set against Phil Hyman, in addition to Jones and Wheelhouse’s double. Burton have a five point advantage over Dallam at the summit of the table, with the Milnthorpe side having an all important game in hand.

Burton D are lying in fifth place, following a sublime 7-3 success against relegation-threatened Natland D. Bryan Rhodes remained unbeaten, team mate Chris Jones contributed triumphs against Dave Ratcliffe and Rob Clarke to the Burton total, while Shelley Rhodes defeated an unfortunate Clarke 11-3 in a drama filled final set. Natland’s points came courtesy of Peter Taylor’s 11-9, 11-4, 16-14 and 7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-7 successes against Shelley Rhodes and Jones respectively.

Kirkby Stephen C look in imminent danger of relegation, after a 7-3 defeat at the hands of Dallam B. Laurence Stannard netted three victories, while Joseph Alaimo earned successes against Mike Sunderland and Tom Walton. Kirkby’s points came courtesy of Sunderland’s 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 victory against Paul Capstick and Peter George’s 3-1 sets victories against Capstick and Alaimo. The Eden Valley side are now seven points from safety and will have to pull out all the stops to avoid the drop.

In Division 1, Crook A and Crook B were involved in a monumental derby clash, with the A team comprehensively coming out on top in a 9-1 triumph. Mike Taylor’s excellent form continued for Crook A, as he and team mate Dave Smith bagged three wins apiece, while Crook skipper Phil Swift added two points to the A team’s total following his victories against Brian Tigg and Tony Cousins. Crook A are lying in fifth position, while Crook B’s hopes of survival look to be all but extinguished, as they are a massive 22 points from safety.

Natland C are teetering on the parapet of relegation, however their survival hopes were given a boost with a narrow 6-4 success against second from bottom Kirkby Stephen A. Andrew Hudson snatched the man of the match award with three triumphs, with team mates Mick Taylor and Louisa Bevan adding one point apiece to the total. Taylor’s 10-12, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10 victory against Dave White was the match of the night, with action, nerves and drama filling an intriguing match. Kirkby’s points came courtesy of Dan Stringer’s successes against Bevan and Taylor and single victories apiece for White and youngster Andrew Leach.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 25 th February 2010

GLAXO TOPPLE MIGHTY IBIS

Division 1 leaders Glaxo A have become firm favourites to snatch the top flight title in the Kendal and District League, as the Ulverston-based side inflicted a first league defeat for several seasons upon defending champions Ibis.

Ibis crafted an early 3-2 lead, courtesy of Steve Dixon’s 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7 success against Grant Woodhouse, James McGrath’s 11-8 victory in the fourth set against Keith Dymond and Dixon’s 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 triumph also against Dymond. Glaxo’s two points were conjured up by Woodhouse and Tom Smith’s three set victories against Trevor Nicholson. The tide turned for a determined Glaxo moving into the second half of the tie, as Smith and Woodhouse defeated McGrath 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 and 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 respectively, to hand the Ulverston side a 5-3 advantage. In a desperate bid to avoid an Ibis defeat, Dixon triumphed 11-3 in the fourth set against Smith, leaving the encounter hanging in the balance at 5-4 in Glaxo’s favour. In a crucial doubles clash, Glaxo’s Smith and Dymond teamed up to score a four set victory and an overall 6-4 success for Glaxo. The result leaves the Ulverston side with a gaping 29-point cushion at the head of the table, with Ibis placed second having only two games in hand.

In Division 2, Dallam C have kept up the hunt for a potential third place finish, with a promotion spot looking out of the Milnthorpe side’s grasp, following an 8-2 success against Natland D. Lawrence Duncan and Norman Philbey handed Dallam a faultless 2-0 opening, with 3-1 and 3-0 sets victories against Peter Taylor and Rob Clarke respectively. Dave Ratcliffe appeared to have steadied the Natland ship with a crushing 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 victory against Tom Carling. Despite a 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9 triumph for Taylor against Philbey, Dallam snatched the remaining matches, including a hat-trick of wins for an impressive Duncan to produce an 8-2 Dallam victory. The Milnthorpe side are positioned in fourth place, two points from third spot with a game in hand over third placed Burton E.

Third placed Burton E notched up an impressive 9-1 victory against Natland D, making it nine wins from thirteen games for Burton. Burton’s Mark Weatherall and Ryan Crayston remained unbeaten, while Bryan Gourlay contributed two points to the Burton total, with successes against Dave Ratcliffe and Rob Clarke. Natland’s solitary point of the night came thanks to Peter Taylor’s 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 success against Gourlay. Burton climb to third place, with promotion looking highly unlikely, due to a massive 17-point gap between themselves and a promotion place.

Burton F recorded their sixth triumph of the season- 18-16 against Dent B- to climb into fourth position. Matthew Pickering notched up three wins for Burton, while team mate Dave Salmon chipped in two victories against Pete Hawley and Wayne Gardener and was unfortunate not to take all three successes, following a tight 11-5 defeat to Ben Smith in a dramatic fifth set. Smith built on this excellent performance to defeat Bryn Jones 11-5, 11-7, 11-2, with Gardener and Hawley scoring two victories apiece for Dent.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 18 th February 2010

 CHASE ON FOR PROMOTION PLACES

Three teams are in pursuit of Dallam D at the summit of the Division 3 table, in a desperate bid to secure a coveted promotion place into Division 2 next season.

Two sides desperate to secure their promotion places- Crook D and Dallam E- clashed this week in a truly epic encounter.

Paul Metsers and Ted Taylor helped Crook forge a narrow 9-6 advantage courtesy of their early triumphs against Zak Crosby-McCann. Things got worse for the Milnthorpe side, when Chris Mowat edged out Bruce Carnaffin 11-7 in a dramatic fifth set duel. This defeat seem to kick-start a Dallam revival, as George Pearson’s 3-1 victory against Taylor and a gut-wrenching 11-9 fifth set success against Mowat, in addition to Carnaffin’s last-gasp heroic 12-10 victory in the deciding set, narrowed the gap to 14-12 in Crook’s favour. A final push for victory was instigated by Dallam, as Pearson completed a memorable hat-trick of victories, while Carnaffin and McCann added six points to the Dallam total at the death to produce a tight 23-19 Dallam victory.

Fifth placed Burton F’s slim promotion hopes have been all but extinguished, following a shock 19-15 defeat at the hands of Kirkby Stephen D. Kirkby- who are rooted firmly at the foot of the table- revelled in only their second success of the season, as Jack Thornborrow, Tom Ellis and Dean Pattinson each won two matches apiece. The man of the match award however was reserved for an inspirational Peter Hunt, who claimed all three victories for Burton, including a cool 11-5, 8-11, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6 success against Ellis.

Natland E are steadily making progress and have now climbed into sixth place, after a crushing 29-9 battering of Grayrigg. Kevin Hunter earned Grayrigg a solitary victory, when he edged out Tom Coates 11-9 in a marathon fifth set, while Hunter was unfortunate not to double his win tally, narrowly losing out 11-5 in the deciding set against Alex Shuttleworth. Despite these scares, Natland earned their fifth triumph of the campaign, as Coates recovered from his earlier setback to bag two victories, in addition to Callum Rushton and Shuttleworth’s maximum three wins.

There was a bitter derby clash in Division 2, as promotion chasing Dallam C encountered their B team. Lawrence Duncan recovered from an epic 6-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 victory against Laurence Stannard, to claim two further victories for Dallam C, while team mate Tom Carling chipped in victories against Stannard and Stuart Allan to place the C team firmly in the driving seat at 5-2. Despite Paul Capstick’s 11-7 and 11-8 deciding set victories against Carling and Philbey respectively, as well as Stannard’s 11-7 success in the fifth set against Philbey, Dallam C snatched the spoils 7-3.

At the basement end of the table the situation for Crook C and Kirkby Stephen C looks terminal, as the two sides clashed this week with the result ending in a 5-5 draw. Mike Sunderland and Peter George bagged two victories for Kirkby, while Steve Rooke and Ed Lister performed similarly for Crook, each snatching double wins apiece. In a crucial doubles battle, the Eden Valley side avoided defeat with a 14-12, 11-5, 11-9 victory for George and Tom Walton against Lister and Rooke. Both sides now find themselves four points from safety, with third from bottom Natland D having an all important game in hand over their rivals.

Meanwhile, Burton C continue to head the table by a slender nine points, following an 8-2 success against their D team, while second place Dallam A- who have two games in hand over Burton- are hot on their rival’s heals after claiming a comprehensive 8-2 triumph against Kirkby Stephen B.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 11 th February 2010

BURTON SCARE IBIS IN TOP FLIGHT THRILLER

Fourth placed Burton A dented defending champions and second placed Ibis’s hopes of winning another successive Division 1 title, by pushing the Kendal side to the brink of defeat in this week’s clash between the two sides.

The scores were locked at 2-2 after the first four singles games, courtesy of Graham Coupe and Julie Stitch’s dramatic 11-2 and 13-11 victories for Burton in two marathon fifth set triumphs against Trevor Nicholson. Steve Dixon and James McGrath steadied the Ibis ship, with 11-5, 11-4, 11-7 and 11-1, 11-13, 3-11, 11-8, 11-8 victories against Chris Knowles and Coupe respectively. With Ibis holding a 4-2 advantage, Burton moved up a notch, as Knowles edged out an unfortunate Nicholson 11-6 in the deciding fifth set, while an inspired Coupe instigated a miraculous 11-9, 11-9, 11-8 defeat of league number one player Steve Dixon to leave Ibis with a precarious 5-4 lead. With only the doubles to play and the Kendal side’s one hundred percent winning record in jeopardy, Dixon and McGrath teamed up to come through an edgy encounter against Knowles and Coupe 11-6 in the fifth set, producing a 6-4 scoreline in favour of Ibis. Ibis remain in second place, 25-points behind leaders Glaxo A, with two games in hand.

Glaxo A reaffirmed their leading position in the top flight, with two weighty successes this week. The first came courtesy of a commanding 9-1 triumph against sixth placed Crook A, with Mike Taylor and John Howarth’s 11-6 victory in the doubles being the only highlight in a miserable night for Crook. Glaxo went one better in their crushing 10-0 win over Crook B, with every encounter, bar one, being won 3-0 by the Ulverston side’s Keith Dymond, Tom Smith and Matt O’Flynn.

In Division 3, Dallam D head the table by what looks like an unassailable 83 points, after a crushing 26-9 success against promotion chasers Crook D, made it thirteen wins from as many games for the young Milnthorpe side. Despite Crook’s Paul and Ben Mesters’s 3-2 and 3-0 victories against Thomas Parkinson and Tom Jackson respectively, Dallam performed heroically, with James Parkinson bagging a hat-trick of victories.

Burton F are progressing nicely and now find themselves in fourth place, following an entertaining 21-17 victory against Dallam E. Dallam’s Alex Hyman, George Pearson and Stuart Allen, each posted victories against Bryn Jones, however it was three wins apiece from Matthew Pickering and Peter Hunt, which inspired Burton’s fifth win from twelve games.

Natland D are climbing further away from the perilous relegation zone in Division 2, following a narrow 6-4 success against fellow strugglers Kirkby Stephen B. Natland’s Peter Taylor remained unbeaten with three victories, while team mate Dave Ratcliffe earned 3-2 and 3-1 sets victories against Chris Horn and Eric Robinson respectively. Kirkby’s points came from Gerry Baines’s victories against Ratcliffe and Rob Clarke, in addition to Robinson and Horn’s singular victories also against Clarke.

Meanwhile, Dallam A maintained their one hundred percent winning streak, after a 10-0 success against Kirkby Stephen C. Kirkby’s Peter George was unfortunate not to get his side on the score-sheet, as he missed out in two fifth set duels- 11-9 and 11-8- to Craig James and Phil Hyman respectively. Dallam are positioned second, ten points adrift of Burton C, with two crucial games in hand.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 5 th February 2010  

TOP FLIGHT RELEGATION SCRAP HOTS UP

The fight for Division 1 survival in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League is hotting up, with four sides- Crook B, Kirkby Stephen A, Natland C and Burton B- all in danger of making the perilous drop into Division 2 next season.

Natland C, who have only recorded one victory all season, earned themselves what might be three vital points come the end of the season, in a 7-3 defeat against Glaxo B. Natland welcomed back Lancaster University student Roger Pimblett into the side and the young Natland star made an immediate impact, defeating Keith Mallinson and Aidan Ranftler 3-0 and 3-1 respectively. Andrew Hudson was unfortunate not to add to Pimblett’s two point haul, after losing out in a nail-biting encounter with Ranftler 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4, 4-11. Despite Pimblett capping a remarkable night of table tennis with an ice cool 11-8 triumph in the crucial fifth set against Tony Whitehouse, the Glaxo trio maintained the upper hand with two wins apiece including an 11-4 success in the fourth set in the doubles. The victory leaves Glaxo in a mid table position, while Natland C remain in the relegation zone, equal on points with Kirkby Stephen A.

Newly-promoted Burton B have been dragged back into the relegation quagmire, following an 8-2 defeat by Crook A. Crook, who have had a turbulent season themselves, swept aside their recent poor form, as Mike Taylor and Phil Swift earned their side an early 2-0 lead. Peter Baxendale appeared to have supplied Burton with a glimmer of hope, with an 11-5, 11-5, 4-11, 11-5 triumph against John Howarth. This hope however evaporated quickly, as Taylor completed his three wins, while John Howarth bounced back from his early defeat to crush Martin Wakelin and Ian Brotherton. In a crucial final singles match, Brotherton doubled the Burton advantage, edging out Swift 11-9 in a tense final set.

Burton C continue to lead the way at the head of the Division 2 table, after their tenth victory of the campaign- 8-2 against Natland D. Graeme Wheelhouse and Stephen Baxendale earned a hat-trick of triumphs for Burton, while Bryan Rhodes supported ably with wins against Dave Ratcliffe and Rob Clarke. Natland’s points came courtesy of Peter Taylor’s 11-2 success in the fifth set against Rhodes and a 3-1 sets victory in the doubles. Burton are twelve points ahead at the summit of the table, with Dallam A having two games in hand.

A passionate derby game between Dallam A and Dallam B, resulted in Dallam A earning the bragging rights with an 8-2 success over their rivals. Both sides seemed to block out the arctic conditions present in the Milnthorpe venue, however the A team got into their stride the quickest, opening up an unassailable 4-0 advantage. Joseph Alaimo and Paul Capstick pulled two points back for Dallam B with victories against Phil Hyman, the highlight being Capstick’s 12-10 success in the final set against the Kirkbie Kendal School Headteacher. Dallam A however maintained their perfect record of ten wins from as many games, when Jonathan Hyman and Craig James completed three wins apiece to leave the Milnthorpe side within striking distance of pole position.

Dallam D look overwhelming favourites to take the Division 3 championship, as the Milnthorpe side notched up their twelfth straight victory of the season- 30-2 against Natland E. Dallam’s Tom Jackson, James and Tom Parkinson looked untroubled in a straight forward night for the champions elect.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 14 th January 2010

 GLAXO CLEAR AT SUMMIT

Glaxo A have stormed to a twenty point lead at the summit of Division 1 in the Kendal and District League, however defending champions Ibis are close behind, lying 21-points adrift of top spot with two games in hand.

Glaxo recorded their tenth successive victory this week against Burton B, crushing their opponents 10-0. Glaxo’s trio of Grant Woodhouse, Tom Smith and Keith Dymond, looked untroubled in a night of classy table tennis.

Glaxo B are moving steadily away from the relegation zone, after a confident 8-2 success against Burton B. Les Shaw and Tony Whitehouse gained a maximum three victories apiece, while team mate Keith Mallinson notched up triumphs against Peter Baxendale and Ian Brotherton. Burton’s points came courtesy of Chris Jones’ 11-6, 11-9, 11-9 victory against Mallinson, in addition to Brotherton and Jones’ 11-5 victory in the deciding fifth set against Mallinson and Shaw. Glaxo move up to seventh, 12-points from safety.

Ibis are keeping the pressure up on leaders Glaxo with a comprehensive 9-1 success against Natland C. Despite Andrew Hudson’s 11-8, 13-11, 11-7 win against Trevor Nicholson, Ibis posted their eighth victory of the season thanks to Steve Dixon and James McGrath’s maximum victories.

In Division 2, Burton C have reached pole position, after a 7-3 victory against Dallam C- their ninth of the campaign. Stephen Baxendale earned three wins for Burton, in addition to Mark Weatherill’s double victories against Lawrence Duncan and Tom Carling. This defeat leaves Dallam third, seven points from a promotion place.

Burton E are in fourth place, following a 6-4 derby win against their D team. Martin Wakelin was once again inspirational for Burton E, claiming all three victories, while Chris Jones and Bryan Rhodes earned two wins apiece against Ryan Crayston and Brian Gourlay.

Meanwhile, in Division 3, Dent B claimed a 24-15 success against Natland F, Dallam D whitewashed Burton F 30-0 and Crook D won 25-13 away to Natland E.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 24 th December 2009

 BIG WIN PUTS BURTON THIRD

Burton A have jumped into third position in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League, following a 10-0 drubbing of Kirkby Stephen A, making it seven wins from nine games for last season’s top-flight runners-up.

The result flattered Burton in some respects, as Kirkby’s Colin Dirom was unfortunate not to topple Lancashire, losing out in a marathon fifth set 11-4. To add further salt to the already stinging wounds, Burton cobbled a victory together in a dramatic doubles, as Coupe and Stitch edged out Dave White and Dirom 12-10, 6-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8. Despite these two moments of unease, Burton sailed away to victory, leaving Kirkby Stephen two places above the perilous relegation zone.

There was another mammoth victory for one of the top sides, as third placed Natland A swept aside their C team 10-0. Natland C were presented with two marvellous opportunities to get points on the board when Mick Taylor failed to convert a 2-1 sets lead against Mark Ashburn, losing out 11-6 in a drama filled fifth set. Meanwhile, in even more dramatic circumstances, Andrew Hudson sank to a gut-wrenching 18-16 defeat in the deciding set to Harry Carter, with both players looking drained after the marathon encounter. Natland move momentarily into second place, while Natland C are five points from safety in second from bottom spot.

Dent A have catapulted themselves into a promotion place in Division 3, after an absorbing 21-18 triumph against Burton F, making it seven wins from nine games. Eddie and Ben Smith were Dent’s in-form players, scoring two wins apiece, while team-mate Steve Hawley notched up a 3-0 sets victory against Jill Crayston and was unlucky to miss out 12-10 in a fifth set defeat to Matthew Pickering. Despite Pickering’s early scare, he built upon this to go on and secure three vitals wins for his Burton side.

Crook D are teetering on the edge of a promotion place, following a narrow 17-15 success at home to Grayrigg. Paul Metsers and Chris Mowat secured two wins apiece against Doug Baxter and Paul Kendal, while Ted Taylor chipped in a convincing 11-3, 11-7, 11-8 victory against Kendal into the Crook melting pot. It was however yet another inspirational performance for Grayrigg star Jon Cooper, which left Crook reeling, following his mesmeric three victories, helping to retain Grayrigg’s seventh position rating.

In Division 2, Burton C are vying for a promotion place, as a 7-3 victory against Kirkby Stephen B this week, leave them one point from second position. Graeme Wheelhouse earned his side three victories, in addition to young Stephen Baxendale’s brace. Kirkby’s points meanwhile, came courtesy of Chris Horn and Gerry Baines’ victories against Phil Mann and Eric Robinson’s fifth set 11-6 success against Baxendale. The Eden Valley side sit in seventh place, 10-points above the relegation zone.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 17 th December 2009

WIN SEES DALLAM GO CLEAR AT SUMMIT

Dallam A hold a 10-point advantage at the summit of Division 2 in the Kendal and District League, as their latest 7-3 victory against Burton C this week maintained the Milnthorpe side’s eight match winning streak.

Dallam opened up an early 2-1 lead, courtesy of Jonathan and Phil Hyman’s gut-wrenching last gasp 11-7 victories in dramatic five set marathons against Graeme Wheelhouse and Phil Mann respectively. Wheelhouse demonstrated his iron man mentality, putting the disappointment of his earlier defeat firmly behind him to stun Craig James 11-6, 11-9, 12-14, 11-9. Meanwhile Stephen Baxendale added a third victory to the Burton tally, adding a 11-7, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4 triumph against Phil Hyman to his earlier four set success against James. This was however, as good as it got for Burton, as Jonathan Hyman completed a hat-trick of wins, while team-mates Phil Hyman and James chipped in three points between them to earn their eighth straight victory. Burton C however, drop to fourth spot, four points behind a promotion place.

Incredibly, Dallam C have catapulted themselves into second place, following a tight 6-4 victory against an unfortunate Kirkby Stephen B. Tom Carling and Norman Philbey helped fire Dallam into a 4-1 lead, courtesy of Carling’s victories against Eric Robinson and Gerry Baines and Philbey’s successes against Chris Horn and Robinson. The Eden Valley side always looked dangerous with Chris Horn and Gerry Baines bagging two wins apiece. The Milnthorpe side however, claimed the spoils, as Carling and Philbey earned two triumphs apiece, in addition to young Tom Jackson’s vital 5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7 victory at the death against Robinson.

Burton D snatched their fourth victory in seven games, against Crook C, who remain rooted to the foot of the table. Chris Jones and Bryan Rhodes were Burton’s inspired duo, scoring six wins between them, while Crook’s trio of Chris Martucci, Chris Mowatt and Ed Lister each scored wins against Shelley Rhodes. Burton D are placed fifth, while Crook C are only one point from safety.

In the Divisional Shield Event, Dallam B squeezed past Burton E by four and a half points, Crook B eased past Natland A by a more convincing 38-point winning margin and Burton F made it through to round two, with an eleven and a half point success against Dent A.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 10 th December 2009

DALLAM SCHOOL SNATCH GLORY IN CUMBRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dallam School’s Under 16’s team surprised themselves and their opponents at Barrow Table Tennis Centre on Friday, when they were crowned Cumbria schools champions. The Milnthorpe school’s trio of Lawrence Duncan, Tom Carling, James Parkinson and George Pearson set about the traditionally strong Dowdales School team, based at Dalton-in-Furness, with determination and ran out as 8-0 winners. Things got even better for the Dallam School side, when in the second match they dispatched St Bernard’s, Barrow, who also have a strong association for reaching the latter stages of the competition, by a resounding 7-1 scoreline. Finally, in a key clash, which ensured their progression, Dallam crushed Millom School 7-1, meaning they now go forward to represent Cumbria at the Northern Zone Finals at Blackburn in January.

Meanwhile, in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League, Glaxo remain in pole position, twenty points ahead of rivals Ibis, following a comprehensive 8-2 victory against Natland A. Grant Woodhouse and Tom Smith’s hat-trick of victories, ensured the continuation of the Ulverston based side’s nine game winning streak.

Second placed Ibis have two games in hand over the leaders Glaxo and appear to be hot on the heels of their rivals after a 9-1 success against Burton B- their seventh in as many games. Steve Dixon and Dave Phillips scored three wins apiece, while Peter Rushton chipped in double victories against Peter Baxendale and Martin Wakelin. Burton’s solitary point came courtesy of Ian Brotherton’s opening match defeat of Rushton- 10-12, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8.

Burton A are sitting in fourth position, five points behind Natland A, after a 9-1 drubbing of strugglers Crook B. Despite Chris Knowles’ absence from the side, Burton swept aside Crook with ease, courtesy of three wins apiece from Julie Stitch and Graham Coupe, in addition to Chris Lancashire’s double successes. Crook’s only highlight in a miserable night was Tony Cousin’s 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 defeat of Lancashire. Crook find themselves rooted to the foot of the table, nine points from safety.

Glaxo B have climbed out of the relegation zone, despite a 6-4 loss at the hands of Natland B. Glaxo forged a 2-0 advantage when Matt O’ Flynn and Keith Mallinson scored 3-1 sets victories against Matthew Neal and Luke Biggins respectively, while Filip Nachazel provided strong Natland resistance, snatching victories against O’ Flynn and Les Shaw, to create an early 2-2 scoreline. Natland moved into the driving seat and masterminded a winning position as Nachazel completed his three victories, while Biggins claimed a double, including a last-gasp 11-4 success in the fifth set against Shaw to inspire the 6-4 triumph- Natland’s third of the season.

In Division 3, the bottom two sides Kirkby Stephen D and Dent B were involved in a 19-18 cracker of a match, with Kirkby coming out on top. Jack Thornborrow inspired the Eden Valley side’s second win of the season, following three impressive victories, while Ben Smith impressed for Dent, losing out narrowly to Thornborrow 4-11, 8-11, 15-13, 11-5, 8-11 in the night’s final singles encounter.

Natland F posted their second victory in eight matches, with a roller-coaster of a 20-18 success against Dallam E. Natland’s trio of Tricia Clinton, Dale Postlethwaite and Fiona Thompson bagged two successes apiece, while the steady defensive play demonstrated by Dallam veteran Bruce Carnaffin proved a thorn in Natland’s side. Dallam find themselves in fifth position, while Natland are placed seventh.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 3 rd December 2009

GLAXO REACH TOP FLIGHT SUMMIT

Ulverston-based side Glaxo A are challenging Ibis’ decade long dominance in Division 1 of the Kendal and District League, opening up a healthy 21-point advantage at the summit of the table. Defending champions Ibis will be hoping to make the two games in hand they have over their rivals count, as they look to defend their crown for yet another season.

This week Glaxo’s eight match winning streak continued, as the Ulverston side produced a crushing 9-1 victory against fifth placed Crook A. John Howarth fired Crook off to a dream start with a shock yet brilliantly crafted 8-11, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10, 12-10 triumph, when his tactical defensive style proved too awkward for Smith to handle. Mike Taylor came close to also toppling Smith, losing out in the final decisive set 11-4, while Howarth’s impressive form continued into his match with Keith Dymond, this time falling short of victory in a fifth set 11-4 defeat. In the end, Dymond and Grant Woodhouse remained unbeaten, while Smith conjured up double victories against Phil Swift and Taylor.

Chasing Glaxo A are second placed defending champions Ibis, who this week maintained their winning start to the campaign with a 7-3 triumph against third placed Natland A. Ibis had Steve Dixon to once again thank for their latest victory with three wins, while James McGrath chipped in with two victories in addition to Peter Rushton’s success against Luke Biggins. Harry Carter was once again an inspiration for Natland, bagging victories against McGrath and Rushton, while the energetic John Fearon toppled fellow veteran Rushton 14-12 in a dramatic fourth set.

Crook A bounced back from their early setback this week to maul Kirkby Stephen A 10-0. Crook’s Mike Taylor, Phil Swift and John Howarth’s fourth victory of the season increased their points total up to 39, placing them in fifth. Kirkby Stephen meanwhile, find themselves in seventh place, nine points above the dreaded relegation zone.

A fiery derby clash between Natland B and C teams, culminated in a comprehensive 8-2 success for Natland B. Bragging rights were at stake in this encounter and the B team fired themselves into the driving seat from the outset, racing to a 3-0 lead. Natland C’s Roger Pimblett prevented an immediate landslide by edging out Bernard Pickthall 11-7 in a marathon fifth set, while Andrew Hudson and Pimblett teamed up in the doubles to produce a 3-1 victory for the C team. It was however a night to be remembered for Natland B, who stepped up into fifth gear courtesy of Luke Biggins and Filip Nachozel’s three victories and Pickthall’s double successes. Natland C are hovering perilously above the relegation zone, five points ahead of Crook B, while Natland B are placed eighth, three points ahead of their C team.

Crook B are still awaiting their first victory of the campaign, following an 8-2 defeat at the hands of Kirkby Stephen A. Brian Tigg and Tony Cousins scored Crook’s two point haul, polishing off Mike Sunderland 11-3, 11-3, 11-2 and 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 14-12, 11-3 respectively. The Eden Valley side bagged only their second success of the season, when Dave White and Colin Dirom earned three wins, in addition to Sunderland’s solitary point, lifting them out of the relegation zone. Crook B however find themselves second from bottom, five points from safety.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 26 th November 2009

 DALLAM REACH TABLE SUMMIT

Dallam A have taken a two point advantage at the summit of Division 2 in the Kendal and District League, after a 10-0 whitewashing of strugglers Natland D kept their one hundred percent winning streak alive.

Dallam’s trio of Craig James, Phil and Jonathan Hyman made it six wins from as many matches in an encounter where only the doubles went to five sets, when Jonathan Hyman and James teamed up to edge out Dave Ratcliffe and Peter Taylor 11-6 in a dramatic final set. Despite this scare, it was plain sailing for the new leaders.

Dallam B- who are not quite living up to the expectations of their A team- managed to hold Kirkby Stephen B to a thrilling 5-5 draw. Laurence Stannard and Paul Capstick fired the Milnthorpe side off the mark, recording four set triumphs against Gerald Baines and Chris Horn respectively. Kirkby responded by taking a 3-2 lead, as Eric Robinson and Baines fought back to record 3-1 sets victories against Joe Alaimo, adding to Horn’s 11-6, 14-12, 11-8 success against Stannard. Towards the end of the battle, Capstick and Stannard completed their two wins, triumphing against Eric Robinson 3-2 and 3-0 respectively. Kirkby however salvaged a deserved draw when Horn and Baines earned five set victories at the death against Alaimo and Capstick respectively.

In Division 1, Burton B’s season continues to go from strength to strength, after an 8-2 victory against Natland C set up their third win from six games. The tie turned in Burton’s favour early on when Chris Jones triumphed 13-11 in a see saw of a fifth set to defeat an unfortunate Andrew Hudson. Despite Hudson’s 11-5, 10-12, 11-4, 11-4 recovery against Baxendale and a four set victory for Mick Taylor against Ian Brotherton, Burton sealed glory courtesy of Jones’ three wins, adding to double successes for Baxendale and Brotherton.

Glaxo B have slipped perilously into the relegation zone, following an 8-2 defeat against third placed Natland A. Keith Mallinson kick started the night for the Ulverston based side, with a shock 11-9, 11-8, 5-11, 11-8 triumph against a bemused John Fearon. Despite a 3-1 sets victory in the doubles for Les Shaw and Mallinson, Harry Carter and Mark Ashburn’s hat-trick of victories, in addition to Fearon’s double successes, steered Natland to their fifth win in six games.

Dent A have opened up a 22-point cushion at the head of the Division 3 table, after a commanding 28-4 success against Natland F. Ed Smith and Steve Hawley revelled in a night of unbeaten table tennis, contributing 18 points between them to the Dent total, while team mate Ben Smith chalked up victories against Tricia Clinton and Rosie Dunk. Natland’s solitary success of the night came when young Fiona Thompson defeated Ben Smith 12-10 in a dramatic fourth set.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 12 th November 2009

 DERBY VICTORY SEES BURTON GO CLEAR

Burton C have gone fourteen points clear at the summit of Division 2 in the Kendal and District League, after a crushing 8-2 victory against their club mates Burton D.

Stephen Baxendale and Martin Wakelin helped Burton C open up a majestic 5-0 lead, as Baxendale defeated Chris Jones 11-3 in the fourth set, then swept aside Shelley Rhodes 3-0, while Wakelin scored 3-0 and 3-1 sets victories against Bryan Rhodes and Chris Jones respectively. Burton D provided some resistance, coming courtesy of an 11-9, 11-7, 11-5 victory for Bryan Rhodes against Graeme Wheelhouse and a dramatic 11-5, 11-2, 11-13, 9-11, 11-9 triumph for Jones also against Wheelhouse. Despite this minor setback, the C team sealed the 8-2 success, thanks to Baxendale and Wakelin’s three victories, completed at the death.

Dallam C produced a shock 7-3 derby triumph against rivals Dallam B, to put them third in the table, equal on points with their A team. Dallam C raced to an early 3-1 lead, courtesy of Lawrence Duncan and Norman Philbey’s 3-1 and 3-0 successes against Paul Capstick. Tom Carling also got in on the act for Dallam C, powering past Adam Lewis 11-5, 11-3, 11-7. Laurence Stannard provided Dallam B with a glimmer of hope, snatching 4-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-5 and 5-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-7 successes against Philbey and Carling respectively, while Capstick added a further win to the B team’s account, defeating Carling 16-14 in a dramatic fourth set. However a shock 7-3 Dallam C victory-their second of the campaign- was completed when Duncan netted a hat-trick of wins with a nail-biting 11-9 deciding set victory against Stannard

Natland D succumbed to their third loss of the season, having lost 7-3 to Burton E. Natland struggled to recover from an early 5-0 deficit, masterminded by Burton’s Martin Wakelin and Mark Wetherill. Natland’s Peter Taylor and Dave Ratcliffe secured 13-11, 11-9, 10-12, 12-10 and 11-4, 11-9, 11-5 successes respectively against Ryan Crayston, however the thorn in the side of Natland-Wakelin and Wetherill- completed three victories to set up their third win in four games.

In Division 3, Dallam E made it three wins in four games, following a comprehensive 21-13 victory against Crook D. The Milnthorpe side’s Stuart Allan remained unbeaten, while young George Pearson secured an 11-5, 11-6, 5-11,11-5 victory against Chris Mowat, then narrowly lost out 13-11 in a fifth set marathon to Paul Metsers. Dallam climb to sixth in the table, while Crook drop to seventh.

Kirkby Stephen D sunk to their fourth defeat in five games, after a 26-8 drubbing at the hands of Burton F. Tom Ellis snatched a dramatic 12-10 fifth set success for Kirkby against an unfortunate Bryn Jones, while Jack Thornborrow produced a more comprehensive 11-5, 11-7, 11-6 triumph against Jones. However, Burton’s second success of the campaign was completed when Dave Salmon and Matthew Pickering scored three wins each to catapult Burton into third place.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 5 th November 2009

 BIG GUNS GO HEAD TO HEAD

Defending Division 1 champions Ibis clashed with their rivals Burton A this week, who themselves finished runners up last season, with the Kendal side prevailing 8-2.

Graham Coupe got Burton off to a flying start, sweeping aside Peter Rushton 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 11-3. Ibis put this early blip behind them, as James McGrath and Steve Dixon chalked up maximum victories to put the Kendal side in the driving seat at 7-1. Burton doubled their points haul in the penultimate singles match, when Julie Stitch edged out a battling Rushton 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 5-11, 11-6, having let a 2-0 sets lead slip. The 8-2 scoreline was completed when Rushton and Dixon scored victory in the doubles 10-12, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6.

Burton B continued their impressive start to the season with a thrilling 6-4 victory against Kirkby Stephen A. The scoreline was locked at 2-2 after the opening four games, courtesy of Kirkby’s Dave White and Colin Dirom’s victories against Ian Brotherton and Stephen Baxendale respectively, in response to Peter Baxendale and Brotherton’s triumphs against Andrew Leach. Dave White edged Kirkby into the lead with another assured display, defeating Stephen Baxendale 11-7 in the fourth set. Burton eventually claimed their second victory of the campaign, as Peter Baxendale snatched a maximum three victories and Brotherton edged out Dirom 11-5 in a five set classic.

Natland A have climbed to second in the table following an 8-2 derby triumph against Natland B. Harry Carter was once again in inspired form for Natland A, claiming three victories, while team mates John Fearon and Mark Ashburn chipped in two wins apiece against Bernard Pickthall and Matt Neal. Natland B’s Luke Biggins tried to stop the rot with victories against Fearon and Ashburn to no avail.

Glaxo B scored their first victory of the season with a 7-3 defeat of Natland C. Returning from University was Roger Pimblett, who made a dramatic impact, first seeing off Keith Mallinson 12-10 in a nail-biting fifth set, then conjuring up a 3-1 sets victory against Les Shaw. Despite a four set victory in the doubles for Natland, it was Glaxo who secured victory, after Tony Whitehouse grabbed three wins, aided by double victories apiece for team mates Shaw and Mallinson.

Crook A have finally found some form, as they annihilated Natland C 9-1. Crook’s Colin Pratt and John Howarth remained unbeaten, while Swift chalked up victories against Louise Thompson and Louisa Bevan. Natland’s solitary point came when Mick Taylor powered past Swift 11-8, 11-7, 11-5.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 22 nd October 2009

 BURTON EDGE CLASSIC

Two of last season’s title contenders- Natland A and Burton A- clashed this week in a classic Division 1 encounter, which saw the tie swing both ways, with Burton finally taking a dramatic 6-4 victory.

Natland left last season’s runners-up shell-shocked, snatching what seemed to be an unassailable 4-0 advantage, courtesy of Harry Carter’s masterful 11-4 and 11-9 fifth set victories against Graham Coupe and Chris Knowles respectively. Burton sank further into despair, as John Fearon and Mark Ashburn doubled the Natland lead, scoring victories against Knowles and Julie Stitch respectively. In a complete role reversal, the second half of the tie, witnessed Burton snatch the remaining six points, as Stitch toppled Carter and Fearon 3-0 and 3-1, Coupe overhauled Fearon and Ashburn 3-0, while Coupe and Stitch bagged a further point in the doubles, winning 11-4, 6-11, 11-5, 11-8 to take an overall 6-4 triumph.

Ulverston based Glaxo A’s trio of Keith Dymond, Tom Smith and Grant Woodhouse have made a storming start to their campaign for championship glory, following two recent comprehensive victories. Glaxo scored 19 points from a possible 20 point haul this week, overpowering Natland C 10-0, then followed this up with a 9-1 battering of Natland B, making it three wins from three games.

Defending top flight champions Ibis were in merciless form once again in their clash with Kirkby Stephen A, mauling their low lying opponents 10-0. The Kendal side’s Steve Dixon, Dave Phillips and James McGrath, demonstrated their prowess in every department, to secure 19 points from a possible 20.

Dallam A and Dallam B went head to head in a hard-fought Division 2 derby encounter, with Dallam A progressing as 7-3 victors. Neither side wanted to lose this competitive clash, however it was the A team, who started the brighter of the two sides, as Craig James converted two dramatic five set matches into victories, edging out Joe Alaimo 11-8 and Adam Lewis 11-8 in the deciding sets. Dallam B fought back, as young star James Parkinson- standing in as a replacement- earned a shock 11-5 victory in the fourth set against Phil Hyman, while Alaimo also got in on the act, also toppling an unfortunate Hyman 11-8 in the fourth set. Despite Alaimo’s last gasp victory against Jonathan Hyman, it was a winning night for Dallam A, as man of the match James completed a hat trick of wins, Jonathan Hyman scored two victories, combining with Phil Hyman’s 3-0 sets victory against Lewis, to secure a 7-3 success.

Burton D made it two wins from three attempts, following an 8-2 success against Kirkby Stephen C. Burton’s seasoned performers- Bryan Rhodes and Martin Wakelin- combined to triumph in each of their three games, while the Eden Valley side’s points came courtesy of Andrew Leach and Tom Walton’s victories against Shelley Rhodes.

Burton E continued their one hundred percent winning start to the season, as they eased past Kirkby Stephen B 6-4. In an intriguing battle, Kirkby raced to a 3-1 advantage, courtesy of Chris Horn and Gerry Baines’ 11-6 and 11-2 successes in dramatic fifth set marathons against Ryan Crayston and Brian Gourlay respectively. Burton eventually found their stride, with Martin Wakelin scoring three crucial victories, combining with Crayston- who put the disappointment of his earlier defeat behind him- to earn victories against Eric Robinson and Baines to guide Burton to their second victory of the season six points to four.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 15 th October 2009

 NATLAND STORM TO DIVISION 3 SUMMIT

Natland E are the early pace setters in Division 3 of the Kendal and District League, however they were made to work for a 21-17 victory against Dent B this week, in a rollercoaster ride of a match.

Natland forged an early 12-7 advantage, courtesy of Alex Shuttleworth’s 3-1 and 3-0 sets victories against Pete Hawley and Ben Smith respectively, while Tom Coates’ gripping 11-9 success in the deciding set against Hawley, combined with Callum Rushton’s 11-9 victory in the fourth set against Ben Smith, left Natland in a strong position. Danny Smith curbed the Natland’s winning spree, with an 11-4, 11-7, 11-4 success against Coates and a more dramatic 11-5 deciding set victory against Rushton. Natland’s deserved victory was completed when Shuttleworth overpowered Danny Smith 3-0 in the final singles game and Rushton and Shuttleworth combined in the doubles to earn a 3-1 sets triumph.

Crook D scored their opening victory of the season, overhauling Burton F 29-7. Ben and Paul Metsers remained unbeaten for Crook, while Burton’s solitary point came courtesy of Dave Salmon’s dramatic 9-11, 8-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-5 success against Chris Mowat, having retrieved a two set deficit.

Grayrigg and Dent B played out a 20-16 cracker, with the spoils going to the more experienced Grayrigg side. In an evenly matched opening, Jon Cooper fired Grayrigg off the mark, netting 11-4, 11-4,11-5 and 11-3, 11-5, 11-5 victories against Danny and Ben Smith respectively, while Kevin Hunter chipped in, scraping past Pete Hawley 11-4 in a last gasp fifth set and then produced a more convincing 3-0 sets victory against Danny Smith. Despite Ben Smith’s two victories, it was again an unbeaten Cooper who masterminded a Grayrigg victory, with a win over Hawley at the death.

In Division 2, Burton E made a dream start to their campaign, with a comprehensive 8-2 triumph against Kirkby Stephen C. Kirkby’s Andrew Leach and Tom Walton scored victories against Brian Gourlay, however it was Burton’s Ryan Crayston and Martin Wakelin who instigated the Kirkby downfall, securing maximum three victories for their side.

Burton D atoned for last week’s opening match defeat, to edge past Dallam B 6-4. Dallam’s Joe Alaimo set the tone for the night, following a gut-wrenching 12-10 success in the fifth set against Frank Lee, continuing his good form to earn an additional point for the Milnthorpe side with a four set triumph against Shelley Rhodes. Furthering the Dallam cause was Laurence Stannard, who also completed successes against Rhodes and Lee. It was however a match winning performance by Burton’s Chris Jones, proving triumphant in all of his three games, combined with Rhodes and Lee’s victories against Adam Lewis, which secured a Burton victory.

Meanwhile, Dallam B’s arch rivals Dallam C scored a fine 9-1 success against Natland D, Burton C eclipsed Crook C 10-0, while in Division 1 Natland A and Crook A posted 10-0 and 9-1 victories against Kirkby Stephen A and Burton B respectively.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 8 th October 2009

 NEWCOMERS SECURE DEBUT VICTORY

League newcomers Dent A fought their way to a debut 21-18 victory against Crook D in Division 3 of the Kendal and District League, leaving the division’s top sides looking over their shoulders.

Dent could not have wished for a better start to their debut campaign, as the newcomers forged an early 6-2 advantage, after Steve Hawley edged out Chris Mowat 11-1 in the gruelling fifth set, while Eddie Smith chipped in with a more convincing three set disposal of Ben Metsers. Crook upped their game in the second half, as Ben Metsers polished off Hawley 11-6 in the deciding set, then followed this performance with an 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 success against Wayne Gardiner to level the match score at 12-12. It was however to be a winning night for Dent, as Smith completed a hat-trick of wins, Hawley held out for a last gasp 11-9 success in the final set against Paul Metsers and Smith swept aside Mowat 11-3, 11-7, 11-7.

A young Dallam D side began their mission for Division 3 honours with a crushing 30-5 triumph against Natland F. Dallam’s unbeaten trio of James and Thomas Parkinson and Tom Jackson looked accomplished in both their attacking and defensive play, with Natland’s Trish Clinton coming the closest to breaking the Dallam stranglehold with a narrow 11-6 deciding set defeat to Tom Parkinson.

Natland E opened their season with an impressive 24-16 victory away at Kirkby Stephen D. Cory Robinson and Alex Shuttleworth’s early victories against Dean Pattinson, forced Natland into the driving seat, however the Eden Valley side looked dangerous with Tom Ellis and Jack Thornborrow, scoring two wins apiece. Natland finally put the tie beyond doubt in the last three singles games, when Callum Rushton scooped 11-8, 11-4, 11-0 success against Pattinson, Shuttleworth defeated Ellis in four sets and Robinson secured victory against Thornborrow 11-7 in the fourth end.

A sensational derby encounter in Division 2 saw Dallam A and Dallam C go head to head in a battle for club bragging rights. Dallam A edged into an early 3-2 lead, following Jonathan Hyman’s 12-10, 11-6, 11-8 and 11-9, 6-11 and 12-10, 14-12 victories against Lawrence Duncan and Tom Carling respectively. Craig James continued the bright opening for Dallam A, securing four set victories against Norman Philbey and Carling. It certainly was not one way traffic for Dallam A, as the C team provided inspirational moments, including Carling’s mesmerising 11-8 win in the fourth set against Phil Hyman and Duncan’s double victories- 13-11 and 11-7- both in dramatic fifth set marathons against Phil Hyman and James respectively. Despite Philbey’s 11-6 success against Phil Hyman in the fourth end, Dallam A completed victory, when Jonathan Hyman secured a hat-trick of wins, for a narrow 6-4 victory.

Burton C’s Mark Weatherill, Stephen Baxendale and Graeme Wheelhouse scored a crushing 10-0 triumph against Natland D, while Crook C squeezed past Kirkby Stephen B 6-4, with Ed Lister remaining unbeaten for Crook and Steve Rooke chipping in with two successes against Chris Horn and Eric Robinson.

Kendal and District Table Tennis League Results  

Division 1 Glaxo B 3-7 Glaxo A; Natland B 4-6 Burton A.

Division 2 Burton C 10-0 Natland D; Crook C 6-4 K. Stephen B; Dallam C 4-6 Dallam A.

Division 3 Crook D 18-21 Dent A; Dallam D 30-5 Natland F; K. Stephen D 16-24 Natland E.

Table Tennis Report for the Westmorland Gazette- 1 st October 2009

 FIREWORKS OPEN NEW SEASON

The eagerly anticipated start to the Kendal and District Table Tennis League finally arrived this week, along with the season-long roller-coaster ride of emotions, which will see some teams experience the ecstasy of championship honours and others the stark reality of relegation.

A metaphorical firework display took place in Division 1, in a fitting opening to the new season, when Kirkby Stephen A and Natland B went head to head in a heart-stopping 5-5 draw. The drama began in the night’s opening match, when Natland’s Bernard Pickthall edged out Colin Dirom 11-6 in a five set classic, while Luke Biggins doubled the Natland lead to 2-0 following a straight sets victory against Mike Sunderland. The plucky Eden Valley side hauled themselves back into the game, as Dave White recorded 3-0 and 3-1 sets victories against Dave Ratcliffe and Luke Biggins respectively. An 11-9 victory in the fourth set for Colin Dirom against Ratcliffe, combined with Sunderland’s last gasp 12-10 triumph also against Ratcliffe, placed Kirkby in the driving seat at 4-2. Natland however provided tenacious resistance as Pickthall lead the charge with a 3-0 success against Sunderland, then backed this up with a marathon 11-8 success in the final end against an unfortunate White. Despite a victory in the doubles for Kirkby, Biggins salvaged a draw for Natland in an epic 11-6, 10-12, 11-5, 13-15, 11-9 victory against Dirom.

One side that will be ecstatic at their opening match performance are defending Division 1 champions Ibis, who opened their account with a resounding 9-1 victory away to Natland C. Despite Natland taking the opening game, courtesy of Andrew Hudson’s 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 success against Dave Phillips, the Kendal side snatched the next nine games without reply in a masterclass of table tennis provided by Steve Dixon and James McGrath.

Natland A, who finished third in last season’s title race, stated their claim for potential top flight championship honours, with a confident 9-1 success against Crook A. Crook, who are without the services of former number one player Dave Archer, never really got going in this encounter, as Natland’s John Fearon, Harry Carter and Mark Ashburn dominated in almost every department. A solitary moment of success for Crook, occurred when Phil Swift defeated Harry Carter in four entertaining sets.

In Division 2, Kirkby Stephen B and Natland D played out a marathon 5-5 draw. The Eden Valley side raced to 4-1 advantage, thanks to Eric Robinson’s 12-10 fifth set victory against Ratcliffe, followed by his impressive 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 success against Rob Clarke. Natland’s Peter Taylor built on a comprehensive 11-4, 11-3, 11-8 win against Gerry Baines to defeat Chris Horn and Robinson, in addition to Ratcliffe’s four set triumph against Horn, helping Natland to an eventual 5-5 draw.

Crook C earned an opening day 7-3 victory away to Kirkby Stephen C. Crook’s trio of Chris Martucci, Ed Lister and Steve Rooke, netted two victories apiece against Tom Walton and John Metcalfe, while Kirkby’s three points came from man of the match Andrew Leach.

Dallam A started their life in Division 2 with a winning 6-4 start at home to Burton D. Jonathan and Phil Hyman opened their seasons with double victories against Bryan and Shelley Rhodes, while Craig James also chipped in a point for the Milnthorpe side, defeating Shelley Rhodes. James was unfortunate not to add a further point to the Dallam total, following a dramatic 14-12 loss in the fifth set against Bryan Rhodes. Burton had Chris Jones to thank for limiting the damage, as he scooped three priceless points.

Burton C could not have wished for a better start to their debut in the second division, edging out Dallam C 6-4. In an evenly matched encounter, Burton’s Mark Weatherill and Stephen Baxendale scored five points between them, while Lawrence Duncan secured two impressive wins for Dallam- 11-6 in the deciding set against Baxendale- and 11-7 in a near mirror image fifth set thriller against Phil Mann.

Meanwhile in Division 3, Natland F defeated Kirkby Stephen D 19-12, Dallam D edged out Burton F 19-16, while Grayrigg and Dallam E locked horns in a thrilling 18-18 stalemate.

Kendal and District Table Tennis League Results

 Division 1 Crook A 1-9 Natland A; Natland C 1-9 Ibis; K. Stephen A 5-5 Natland B.

Division 2 K. Stephen B 5-5 Natland D; K. Stephen C 3-7 Crook C; Dallam A 6-4 Burton D; Burton C 6-4 Dallam C.

Division 3 Natland F 19-12 K. Stephen D; Burton F 16-19 Dallam D; Grayrigg 18-18 Dallam E